Residents at a care home in Verwood have completed a New Year fitness challenge by taking 60,000 steps in under two weeks.

The residents at Verwood House on Ringwood Road took daily exercise sessions inside the home and outdoors when weather allowed, with staff members also joining in.

Former Liverpool Children’s Hospital administrative worker and resident Dorothy Massey, aged 89, said: “I enjoy going out for walks and keeping active. We count our steps each day.”

Mother of three Dorothy also worked at the department store, Owen Owen for many years and says she has always love countryside walks.

Fellow resident Penelope Eyres, aged 81, said: “Exercise is so important, and it is nice to see people taking part in this.”

Penelope used to enjoy going for walks with her dogs. Enthusiastic staff have also joined the challenge, alongside residents and taken 20,000 steps every day in January.

Alongside residents at the Ringwood Road home they are counting steps inside as well as outside.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coach Emilia Turner: “Keeping fit and healthy is so important for all of us – for older people and those younger. You’re never too old to keep fit!

“The steps challenge has motivated us to do more walking and exercises to improve general health and wellbeing, we always have so much fun here at Verwood House doing exercises.”

Verwood House Care Home is part of the Hamberley Care Homes Group which operates across the UK.

Pictured: Dorothy Massey, Penny Eyres and Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Emilia Turner